Do you know what Eki stamps are? or we can call them memorial stamps. They are collectable stamps from Japan which you can mostly collect at train stations and other places as well. From my experience in December 2023, I only managed to collect from the train stations I visited. There aren't many stamps that I was able to collect, but I will share some of the stamp locations because some of them are hard to spot. In total there will be 18 stamp locations :)
Tips For Stamping! Bring your own red, green and blue ink pads if possible. Some inkpads may be dry and these three colors are common stamp colors in Japan. You can use any notebook you like or feel free to ask the train station staff for special Eki stamp paper, each station has a different design <3
OSAKA
1. Osaka Station - JR Kobe Line
Before Central Gate entrance. Near the coin locker.
2. Shin-Osaka Station - JR Kyoto Line
Before East exit.
3. Namba Station - JR Yamato Line
Next to Fare Adjustment machine, before exit.
4. Universal City Station - JR Yumesaki Line
Next to Fare Adjustment machine, before Universal Studios Japan exit.
KYOTO
5. Kyoto Station - JR Kyoto Line
Before Underground East exit.
TOKYO
6. Tokyo Station - JR Line Marunouchi Building
GRANSTA Tokyo Station level B1. Inside the Traveler's Factory store.
7. Akihabara Station - JR Line
Before Central Gate entrance. Near Tsukuba Express line.
8. Akihabara Station - Tsukuba Express
Before the Main Gate entrance. Close to Family Mart.
9. Ikebukuro Station - Seibu Railway
** I forgot to write notes, from what I remember ** Before East Gate entrance.
10. Ikebukuro Station - JR Line
Before South Gate entrance.
11. Harajuku Station - JR Line
Omotesando Exit. Before the Main Gate entrance.
12. Shibuya Station - JR Line 2 Stamps!!
Inside the JR ticket office.
13. Asakusa Station - Tsukuba Express
Before the Main Gate entrance.
14. Kitasenju Station - Tsukuba Express
Before the Main Gate entrance.
15. Toshimaen Station - Oedo Line
Before A2 Gate exit.
16. Nerima Station - Oedo Line
Before the Main Gate entrance. The location is unique, this stamp is located between two entrances.
17. Ueno-Okachimachi Station - Oedo Line
Before A1-A2 Gate exit.
18. Narita Airport - Keisei Line
Before Narita Airport Gate exit.
I hope this post can help you in your stamp hunting journey in Japan, especially for first timer like me last month. It was challenging but after a few of the stamp corners I found, I became more aware of it. Remember, stamping is a delightful and versatile craft – enjoy the process!
Happy hunting! <3